Founded in late 2014, long-term friends Mark Harrig (mandolin/vocals/guitar) and former band member Phil Wamser (concertina/keyboard) set out to start a bluegrass band. Having picked up a mandolin and concertina, they both joked about their miniature instruments and thought to start a bluegrass band. Yet, the addition of new friends Matt Webber (guitar/bass), Weston Grit (bass/guitar) and Chad Burgess (drums) brought new influences and instrumentation. Burgess frequently blames himself for derailing the band from its bluegrass trajectory and morphing into the Americana Rock/Folk band they are today. Their collection of songs displays a wide array of stylistic diversity due to each member of the band contributing their personally written songs, lyrics and vocals. In 2017, Wamser and Webber left the group, but Chris Haise (keyboard) and Jon Taglienti (bass) were more than happy to take their places.

2016, Paladino released their debut EP “Bellows” which was nominated for 88Nine Radio Milwaukee Music Awards Album of the Year, Independent Release of the Year, and Band of the Year. The release covers a broad spectrum of subject; from nostalgia, volatile relationships, an Iowa ax murderer, and a day in the life of a turtle.

Following Paladino’s debut release “Bellows”, they began immediately writing and recording their first full-length album of all new material released Dec 1st, 2017. Titled “Friend a Dinosaur”, a play on Paladino’s name, the upcoming album embraces their alt-country and rock roots, while maintaining the multiple lead singer format. Gone are the classical-inspired layered arrangements juxtaposed with arty folk. In their place: over driven and melodic electric guitars, riff-based anthems and harmony saturated hooks. Those who had appreciated their quirky lyrics will not be disappointed; “Friend a Dinosaur” runs a whole new gamut of unconventional subject matter with tracks exploring the personification of a home-invading brown insect, a self-aware factory churning out tourist stand trinkets, and even a bittersweet love song for their hometown of Milwaukee.

Chris Haise (Keyboard)

​Jon Taglienti (Bass)

Chad Burgess (Drums).

"Diverse? Definitely. But when you listen to their music, rich in melody and meaning, it makes sense."

-Sarah McClanahan, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee

"imagines what Queen might have sounded like if they were an acoustic act with a mandolin."

-Evan Rytlewski, Shepherd Express

HIGHLIGHTS

​​2018 Radio Milwaukee Music Award Nominee for Band of the Year

Jan 2018 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Must-Hear Milwaukee Album​​

2016 Radio Milwaukee Music Award Nominee for Band of the Year2016 Radio Milwaukee Music Award Nominee for Album of the Year2016 Radio Milwaukee Music Award Nominee for Independent Release of the year.2016 WAMI CD Roulette Winner​​​

"The group’s lush new album, Friend a Dinosaur, puts that reinvention on full display.....it’s a brisk roots rock record that lands somewhere between the uplifting strumming of The Avett Brothers and the Heartland-leaning modern rock of ’90s acts like Toad the Wet Sprocket and Gin Blossoms.."